East (Est), n. [OE. est, east, AS. eást; akin to D. oost, oosten, OHG. Ostan, G. ost, osten, Icel. austr, Sw. ost, Dan. öst, östen, Lith. auszra dawn, L. aurora (for ausosa), Gr. 'hw`s, "e`os, 'a`yws, Skr. ushas; cf. Skr. ush to burn, L. urere. √149, 288. Cf. Aurora, Easter, Sterling.]
1. The point in the heavens where the sun is seen to rise at the equinox, or the corresponding point on the earth; that one of the four cardinal points of the compass which is in a direction at right angles to that of north and south, and which is toward the right hand of one who faces the north; the point directly opposite to the west. The east began kindle.
E. Everett. 2. The eastern parts of the earth; the regions or countries which lie east of Europe; the orient. In this indefinite sense, the word is applied to Asia Minor, Syria, Chaldea, Persia, India, China, etc.; as, the riches of the East; the diamonds and pearls of the East; the kings of the East. The gorgeous East, with richest hand,
Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold.
Milton. 3. (U. S. Hist. and Geog.) Formerly, the part of the United States east of the Alleghany Mountains, esp. the Eastern, or New England, States; now, commonly, the whole region east of the Mississippi River, esp. that which is north of Maryland and the Ohio River; -- usually with the definite article; as, the commerce of the East is not independent of the agriculture of the West. East by north, East by south, according to the notation of the mariner's compass, that point which lies 11¼° to the north or south, respectively, of the point due east. --
East-northeast, East-southeast, that which lies 22½° to the north or south of east, or half way between east and northeast or southeast, respectively. See Illust. of Compass. © Webster 1913
East (?), a. Toward the rising sun; or toward the point where the sun rises when in the equinoctial; as, the east gate; the east border; the east side; the east wind is a wind that blows from the east. © Webster 1913
East, adv. Eastward. © Webster 1913
East, v. i. To move toward the east; to veer from the north or south toward the east; to orientate. © Webster 1913
East, a. (Eccl.) Designating, or situated in, that part of a church which contains the choir or chancel; as, the east front of a cathedral. © Webster 1913
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